Foldable rack



' H. 1. BATES.

FOLDABLHE RACK.

Patented Feb. 28, 1922.

APPLICATION F |LED AUG. 18, 1920.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

H. L. BATES. -FOLDABLE RACK. APPLICATION FILED AUG-18, I920.

Patented Feb. 28, i9 22'.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

H. L. BATES.

FOLDABLE BACK. APPLICATION FILED AUG- l 8| 1920 Patented Feb. 28, 19 22.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3- HENRY L. BATES, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

FOLDAIBLE anon.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 28, 1922.

Application filed August 18, 1920. Serial No. 40 1,3527.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it'known that I, .HENRY L. Barns, a citizen of the United States, residing at Boston, in the county of Suffolk and State of h lassachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Foldable Racks, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to folding or col lapsible frames and it has for one of its objects to provide a folding or collapsible frame having a multiplicity of uses. It is also an object of my invention to provide a shown in Fig. 1. 9

Figure 3 is also a side elevation of the frame shown in Fig. l but with the same in folded or collapsed condition.

Figure 4- is a perspective View showing the frame of Figure 1 used as part of a wardrobe.

My improved frame as herein shown comprises a pair of side frames A and 13 each made up of two sets of rigid bars a, a, and b, b, the bars of each set being parallel with one another and disposed crosswise of the bars of the other set to which they are pivotally connected as indicated at 0. These pivotal connections are arranged or positioned so that the two sets of bars of each latter while the crosswise marginal bar I) of said section extends the full width or height. '-.hc other bars a and I) may, if desired, he graduated as to length so as to gwe a stepped shape to the side section when in extended condition, or they may be all of one length as shown in Fig. 6. L

In Figs. 1 to l, inclusive, the two side'scctions A. and B are rigidly connected together by cross-bars (Z, c and f.

The cross-bar (Z is shown as integral with the upper ends of the two marginal bars F) while the cross-bar e is a separate piece riveted or otherwise secured atits ends to said bars Z). These two marginal bars 6 extend below the marginal bars a so as to provide legs 9 which support one end of the frame. The opposite end of the frame is supported by legs 7L rigidly fastened to the ends of bars a by the cross-bar. 7 which extends through and is rigidly connected with. said bars a.

When in open or extended condition as shown in Figs. 1 and 2the two sets of bars a, a. and I), 7) of each side section are disposed at right angles to each otherand are secured against swinging on their pivots c by a latch D. there being one of. these latches D provided for each side section. Each latch D has one end thereof pivotally fastened at (Z to the marginal bar I) of its Side section while its opposite end is made with a notch to adapt it to hook on to a stud (Z projecting from the other marginal bar a of its side section. The latches D hold the structure rigidly in extended condition. By disengaging the latches D from the stud d" the bars may all be swung or folded together without disturbing their parallelism so as to bring all of'the bars into nearly parallel relationship as shown in Fig. 3, thus compacting them into a bundle and greatly reducing the space occupied by the structure, when it is collapsed or folded up in this manner, so that it can be conveniently stored, packed or shipped. ,When in extended condition the frame shown in Figs. 1 to a may be used for many different purposes and in this connection it is to be noted, of course, that the structure may be made of size and proportions appropriate to the particular use to which it is put.

When the frame shown in Figs. 1 to 4; is placed upon the floor as shown in Fig. 1, shelves E, indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 1, may be laid upon the horizontal bars of the side sections to serve as seats to support flower pots and the like or to display arti cles of various kinds. v

The frame shown in Figs. I to at can be made in any desired size for use as shelves,

seats, displaying ooods in store Windows and other places, a bed frame, a tent frame, awningframe, Wardrobe frame, and the like. In Fig. il I have shown the structure hung in position upon a Wall and supporting ourtains to form a Wardrobe or booth. The frame may be secured in this position by means or" hooks provided on the Wall upon which the cross-bare is'hung. i

From vthe above description it will now be clear that the main feature of my invention consists in constructing a supporting :tramc with tivoconnected'side sections, each comprising two pivotally connected sets of bars arranged crosswise, relatively, and with the bars of each set parallel, together With means forlocking the bars in open orextended relationship or condition.

As Will be clear from the above description the bars a constitute the side bars of my improved stand While the bars a not only serve as links to connect the uprights 7) tov'etherand to the vertical end Jortions 7) of the bail-shaped member b-cl, but also as supports for shelvesE.

hat I claim is:

foldable stand comprising two oppositely disposed parallel side bars; a cross bar connecting-the forward end .portlons of tions of said baiLshaped member: uprights.

of different lengths pivotally connected at their lower ends to'said side bars said uprights being disposed parallel with said end portions and paired in stepped relation; linksccnnecting said: uprights together and to said end portions, and means for locking said partsin operative positions with provisions for unlocking said the latter together.

In testimony whereof I have afliXedmy signature. a V 1 I HENRY L. BATES.

parts and folding 

